Quick Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe

Imagine flaky, buttery layers dusted with fragrant cinnamon sugar, all wrapped up in a pastry so simple, you’ll be shocked at how quickly it comes together. That’s the magic of Quick Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins—a comforting treat that’s part croissant, part muffin, and all-out delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can have bakery-worthy cruffins on your table in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re in a rush for an afternoon snack, or want an impressive brunch pastry, these cruffins are always a hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the short list—every ingredient in Quick Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins brings something essential to the table. The buttery pastry creates irresistible layers, while the cinnamon-sugar blend laces every bite with warming sweetness. Here’s what you need to make the magic happen:

• Crescent Roll Dough or Puff Pastry: The shortcut to shatteringly crisp, bakery-style layers, ready in a flash and perfect for that signature cruffin texture.
• Butter: Melted unsalted butter soaks into the layers, giving a rich flavor and helping the outside bake up golden and perfectly crisp.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is the main player in our sweet filling, caramelizing gently in the oven for a lightly crunchy finish.
• Cinnamon: Warm, fragrant ground cinnamon transforms the sweetness into true comfort food territory.
• Vanilla Extract (Optional): Just a splash can round out the aroma and make every bite smell irresistible—totally worth it if you have some on hand.
• Salt: A pinch brings balance, making the sugary notes pop while highlighting the butteriness of the pastry.

How to Make Quick Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a standard muffin tin, and either pop in some paper liners or give each cup a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray. This little step ensures your Quick Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins slip right out, crisply intact.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Roll out your crescent roll dough or puff pastry on a clean, lightly floured surface. If you’re using crescent rolls, press the seams together to form a single sheet—the smoother the better. If it’s puff pastry, just unfold and flatten it gently; no need to roll it thinner unless you want ultra-fine layers.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and pinch of salt. If you want to boost the flavor, stir in the vanilla extract at this point; it’ll perfume the entire batch. This mix is what gives Quick Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins their signature sticky-sweet swirl.

Step 4: Butter and Sprinkle

Grab a pastry brush or spoon, then sweep the melted butter over every inch of your dough’s surface. Don’t be shy! Now, sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture generously, aiming for full, even coverage—this means lots of flavorful spirals in every cruffin.

Step 5: Roll and Slice

From one edge, tightly roll up your dough into a log, just like a cinnamon roll. Keeping it snug helps maintain neat layers. Once you have a log, slice it evenly into 12 pieces—these will bake into individual Quick Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins.

Step 6: Get Ready to Bake

Twist or gently coil each slice into the muffin cups, letting the spirals stand tall and proud. Slide the tin into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until your cruffins are golden, crispy, and making the kitchen smell heavenly. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Enjoy your Quick Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins warm for maximum deliciousness. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, dust the tops with more cinnamon sugar before serving, and pair them with your favorite hot drink for bakery-style comfort at home.

How to Serve Quick Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

Garnishes

A final shower of cinnamon sugar right after baking makes these cruffins sparkle and adds a hint of crunch. You can even drizzle a simple vanilla glaze or dip the tops in melted butter before rolling in extra sugar for special occasions. If you want a little tang, a dollop of sweetened whipped cream or even a spoonful of mascarpone cheese works beautifully.

Side Dishes

Quick Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are delightful on their own, but they’re also lovely with fresh fruit, a scoop of Greek yogurt, or a crisp fruit salad. For brunch, try them alongside scrambled eggs, a cheese platter, or fresh berries for a sweet-savory balance.

Creative Ways to Present

If you love playing with presentation, stack your cruffins on a cake stand for a centerpiece-worthy display. Or wrap them individually in waxed paper and tuck them in lunchboxes for a midday pick-me-up. For parties, arrange them on a platter with tiny cups of flavored butter or fruit preserves for dipping—totally irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Quick Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Their texture is at its peak on day one, but they’ll still taste delicious after a night or two on the counter.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze baked cruffins! Just let them cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re craving something sweet, just reheat and enjoy.

Reheating

To bring your Quick Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins back to their bakery-fresh glory, simply pop them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or until warmed through. For a super speedy fix, microwave individual cruffins for 10 to 15 seconds—they’ll be soft and warm in no time.

FAQs

Can I make Quick Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins with homemade dough?

Definitely! If you enjoy working with scratch-made dough, use your favorite croissant or puff pastry recipe. The process stays the same, though the rising and rolling may take a bit longer. The reward is even more impressive layers and flakiness.

What’s the difference between puff pastry and crescent roll dough?

Puff pastry bakes up crisp and super flaky, while crescent roll dough is slightly softer and more bread-like. Both work beautifully for Quick Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins, so go with what’s easiest for you—or experiment to find your favorite!

Can I add different fillings to this recipe?

Absolutely! While cinnamon sugar is classic, you can add finely chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a thin layer of fruit jam to the filling. Just don’t add too much moisture, or it might seep out as the cruffins bake.

Is it possible to make a vegan version?

Yes, Quick Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins can be made vegan by using plant-based puff pastry and a buttery vegan spread. Make sure your sugar is vegan too, and skip the vanilla extract if it’s alcohol-based and you prefer to avoid it.

Why did my cruffins stick to the pan?

This usually happens if the muffin tin isn’t greased enough or if you skip the paper liners. Next time, make sure you coat every cup or use liners—it makes a world of difference for easy release, especially with all that gooey cinnamon sugar.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the cozy aroma of freshly baked Quick Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins wafting through your kitchen. They’re quick, easy, delightfully flaky, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to snag one. Give this recipe a try the next time you need a sweet pick-me-up—your taste buds will thank you!

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